Mal Coupe resumes with Group 2 test

STEVE O’Halloran says he has no option but to resume Mal Coupe in Group 2 company for the first time at Royal Randwick tomorrow.

The Hawkesbury trainer has done a terrific job with the now five-year-old, who tackles the $1m Concorde Stakes (1000m) at set weights plus penalties.

Under the conditions he has to carry 56kg, only 2.5kg less than three joint topweights, which include last year’s Golden Slipper Stakes winner Marhoona.

Such was Mal Coupe’s progress in autumn that his benchmark rating shot from 78 to 96.

“Horses who are rated around the 96 to 100 mark aren’t necessarily the easiest to place,” O’Halloran said today.

“You have to take on the Group 2s and 3s, and we have no option but to do that first-up.”

O’Halloran has won six races with the son of Xtravagant, who hasn’t raced since finishing sixth to Mazu in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in April.

He has trialled twice in preparation for his return, and was ridden both times by Kerrin McEvoy, who will be on rival Wanaruah in the Concorde.

“Unfortunately Kerrin had already taken that booking, so Tyler Schiller will ride Mal Coupe for the first time,” O’Halloran said.

“Mal Coupe was a bit soft in his first 900m at Rosehill Gardens on August 7, but was really good a fortnight later when second to Bev’s Nine in another 900m trial there.

“He has made further improvement since, but is still not 100 per cent in the coat.

“Obviously it’s a tough test tomorrow, but he has to kick off somewhere and will definitely take improvement from the race.”

*Words by John Curtis for hawkesburyraceclub.com.au